Introduction:
Abijam, also known as Abijah, was the son of Rehoboam and the father of Asa, and he reigned as the king of Judah. His reign is recorded in the biblical books of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles. Abijam's rule is noted for its brevity and for the continuation of the religious and political challenges that began during his father's reign.

Biblical References:
Abijam's reign is primarily documented in 1 Kings 15:1-8 and 2 Chronicles 13. These passages provide insights into his leadership, his military engagements, and his adherence to the religious practices of his time.

Reign and Character:
Abijam became king of Judah in the eighteenth year of King Jeroboam of Israel's reign. His reign lasted for three years in Jerusalem. The biblical account in 1 Kings 15:3 states, "And he walked in all the sins his father had committed before him, and his heart was not fully devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of his forefather David had been." This suggests that Abijam continued in the idolatrous practices that had been established by his father, Rehoboam.

Military Engagements:
One of the significant events during Abijam's reign was his conflict with Jeroboam, the king of Israel. 2 Chronicles 13 provides a detailed account of a battle between the two kingdoms. Abijam addressed the armies of Israel, reminding them of the covenant between God and David, and asserting the legitimacy of his rule over Judah. Despite being outnumbered, Abijam's forces achieved victory, which the chronicler attributes to their reliance on the LORD, the God of their ancestors.

Religious Practices:
Abijam's reign is marked by a continuation of the religious practices that were displeasing to God. The high places, sacred stones, and Asherah poles remained, indicating that the reforms needed to return Judah to the worship of Yahweh alone were not undertaken during his rule. This lack of religious reform is highlighted in 1 Kings 15:4-5, which notes that for David's sake, the LORD allowed Abijam's line to continue, despite his failings.

Legacy:
Abijam's reign was short, and he was succeeded by his son Asa, who would go on to implement significant religious reforms in Judah. The biblical narrative suggests that while Abijam's reign was not marked by the same level of devotion as his ancestor David, God's covenant with David ensured the continuation of his dynasty. Abijam was buried in the City of David, and his son Asa succeeded him as king.

Conclusion:
Abijam's reign is a reminder of the challenges faced by the kings of Judah in maintaining fidelity to the covenant with God. His account serves as a backdrop to the reforms and religious revival that would occur under his son Asa, highlighting the enduring significance of the Davidic covenant in the history of Judah.